Du Guesclin and a New Way of War

Under Charles V, France sought less “glorious battle” and more gradual territorial recovery. This strategy relied on captains suited to attritional warfare, and Bertrand du Guesclin became its emblem.

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⚔️ 1364: Cocherel as Foundational Victory

Early in the reign, Du Guesclin played a decisive role against Charles II of Navarre. Victory at Cocherel (May 16, 1364) secured Normandy, opened the road to coronation, and undermined the idea that a prince could wage private war against the crown.

The monarchy also sent a legal-political signal: French fighters captured on the Navarrese side could be treated as traitors, not merely ransomable foes in feudal conflict.

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🛡️ Avoiding the English Trap

After Crecy and Poitiers, Charles V rejected unfavorable pitched battle. His priorities were:

• refusing bad engagements;
• retaking strongholds;
• pressuring supply lines.

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🏰 Reconquest Through Sieges and Garrisons

War became territorial: controlling a fortress meant controlling roads, bridges, taxation, and regional movement. Du Guesclin and other captains coordinated sieges, raids, and harassment operations.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 From Mercenary Threat to Military Resource

Mercenary companies could devastate the realm, but they were also a reservoir of fighters. The key was to discipline and employ them. Paid war expanded, reducing anarchic violence while increasing financial demands.

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🧠 To Remember

• Charles V bet on strategy and duration.
• Route and fortress control mattered more than decisive field battles.